Minefields hinder firefighting efforts as blaze continues to rage in Awagird mountains
Despite valiant efforts by villagers and civil defense teams to protect Simaquli, the inaccessible terrain, littered with mines from the previous Iraqi regime, has rendered direct firefighting impossible.
ERBIL (Kurdistan 24) - For over 24 hours, a devastating fire has been sweeping through the Awagird Mountains, engulfing the villages of Simaquli, Jali, Sinawa, and Nazanin, and causing extensive environmental damage.
The presence of landmines in the mountain has severely hampered firefighting efforts, leaving teams unable to access and control the blaze.
The fire erupted on Saturday afternoon, rapidly spreading across the mountain and into surrounding villages.
Despite valiant efforts by villagers and civil defense teams to protect Simaquli, the inaccessible terrain, littered with mines from the previous Iraqi regime, has rendered direct firefighting impossible.
Strong winds have further fueled the fire's spread, and while all fire brigades, villagers, and security forces remain on high alert to prevent further encroachment into populated areas, the fire continues to rage at high altitudes.
The cause of the fire remains unknown. However, the director of the Civil Defense Center confirmed that the presence of landmines prevents any active firefighting on the mountain itself. Efforts are focused on containing the fire and safeguarding villages.
Despite extensive demining efforts, the risk of landmines persists, with two explosions reported on the mountain last night. The fire threatens not only homes and livelihoods but also a precious ecosystem, including 100-year-old trees.
